If I trade for an eVIP on coupon connection, and am confronted at the gate, what should I say? My friend gave it to me? Since bartering is just as mucha violation of the program rules as selling, I assume honesty would not be the best policy in this situation? I'm most likely to trade for an eVIP for miles - I upgrade you, you buy me an award ticket. Is that too dangerous because AA can see that I bought an award ticket for the exact person who upgraded me?